Real Wedding – Zoe & Sergio, Melbourne VIC
Zoe and Sergio embarked on their planning process together, spending date nights selecting their dream team and piecing together their wedding vision. The result? A stunning, effortless-seeming day in which both bride and groom are relaxed and radiant.
Against the idyllic backdrop of The Terrace in the Royal Botanic Gardens, a chic masterpiece of monochromatic tones creates beautiful visual cohesion, while superstars The Paper Hearts bring the aural soundtrack. Bridesmaids in soft champagne add textural tonality, while florals by Mrs Florals add crisp white-on-white visual interest, juxtaposed against the lush greenery of the gardens.
For a couple whose harmonious ethos and values drew them together, the relaxed romance of the day is undeniable, captured to perfection by lens legends Courtney Laura Photography and ajr films.
We love that these two super sweet lovers took the time to choreograph their first dance to perfection – scroll on to see it all unfold!
The meeting.
We met playing futsal in 2016. Zoe filled in for Sergio’s futsal team while he was on an overseas trip. We met when Sergio returned and have been playing futsal together ever since.
The ‘one’.
We knew when we found that our values aligned (family, both hard working, committed).
The proposal.
We went on a trip to the Gold Coast to stay with a friend. Sergio took Zoe out to a nice restaurant and then surprised her at a hotel room with roses and fairy lights.
Planning process.
The planning process involved a lot of research. We explored venues, looked up various suppliers and attended a few wedding expos. We then locked in suppliers we liked and worked through a checklist and a timeline. We tried to make the most of it by doing a lot together.
Style inspiration.
Simple, classic and elegant. The gardens speak for itself, so we went with simple neutral colours.
We found Instagram and Pinterest useful for inspiration on the style we wanted to go for. Ivory Tribe was useful to read about and view real weddings and Easy Weddings was useful for local suppliers/reviews on suppliers. Our photographer, Courtney Laura Photography, gave great timeline suggestions and hints in the lead-up.
The ceremony.
Our unplugged ceremony was in semi-private spot (Tecoma Pavillion) within the Royal Botanical Gardens. It was an emotional ceremony with our closest family and friends. Our families are close which made our wedding even more special. Our celebrant, John McCullough and acoustic musician, Jess (through Paper Hearts), helped our vision come to life.
The outfits.
Zoe: I was lucky to find my dress on the second day of searching. It was on the mannequin as we walked in to Fairy Tales Bridal Boutique in Maribynong. My mum and sister actually suggested that I try it on. At first, I thought it was too much of a statement dress for me but when I put it on, I knew it was the one! It definitely helped to try it on again after some time away, just to be sure. I’m so glad I went with an Australian designer, Jack Sullivan.
Sergio: I was always going with a timeless, classic tuxedo. I tried a number of different suits and decided on a brand I know and trust, Peter Jackson. Salih at Peter Jackson, Watergardens, helped me to decide between two suits. I was very happy with the service and look.
Favourite moments.
Our favourite moment was surprising our guests with a choreographed dance. Our first dance started off slow dancing to Make you feel my love by Adele. It then it changed to The way you make me feel by Michael Jackson. We had purchased an online dance tutorial and practised the choreographing for hours – it paid off! And we enjoyed doing something new together.
Meaning of marriage.
Marriage to us means commitment. A choice to do life together. To us it means growing together as individuals as well as a united couple.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: I can’t help falling in love with you by Elvis Presley
Reception entry: Be My Lover by La Bouche
First dance: Make you feel my love by Adele & The way you make me feel by Michael Jackson
Funny stories or near disasters.
Zoe: When the first part of the first dance stopped, my bridesmaids needed to bustle up my dress for the choreographed part. They really struggled! As we all stood there awkwardly waiting, all I could hear was my bridesmaids behind me freaking out. I kept calm and when they finally got it, the choreographed part of the dance started. Guests told me afterwards that the suspenseful waiting made the surprise even better!
Planning surprises.
We were surprised by the amount of research required to find the suppliers that suited us. We didn’t really know much about weddings, what we wanted or suppliers that suited our style, so this took time.
Words of wisdom.
Schedule in planning dates (plan the planning!) with your partner to be able to enjoy the process together. Do what you can to be as present on the day as possible and if you can get away for a few minutes just as a couple together, do it!
We gave our family and friends roles that they were capable of, and willing to take on, to help with the day. It was special to have them included. Some examples of these include Zoe’s brothers who were the MCs, Sergio’s dad who made the cake, a friend who made the bonbonnieres and a friend who cued the celebrant and musician.
For more garden inspired style in a similarly fresh palette, Sarah and David’s Yarra Valley celebrations brings all the good feels, and looks a visual treat.
ZOE & SERGIO’S VENDORS
Ceremony venue: Tecoma Pavillion at The Royal Botanical Gardens
Reception venue: The Terrace at The Royal Botanical Gardens
Celebrant: John McCullough, Right Match Civil Celebrant
Photography: Courtney Laura Photography
Videography: ajr films
Florist: Mrs Florist
Hair: Styled by Teresa
Make-up: Zoe O’Meara
The dress: Jack Sullivan, from Fairytale Bridal Boutique.
Shoes: Merchant 1948 and Julius Marlow
Rings: John McAleer
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Love Affair Boutique
Suits: Peter Jackson
Bow ties / ties: Myer
Catering: The Terrace (Darling Group)
Favours: LittleThingsAU
Cake / Cake topper: Groom’s parents
Stationery / Signage: eventii
Entertainment: Paper Hearts (Jess and DJ Scott)
Transport: Highroller Limousines
Hire: Weddings of Distinction
Honeymoon: Heading to Europe mid 2024.